Tributes paid to Falkirk community stalwart

Jill Buchanan

Community stalwart Jamie Meiklejohn has lost his long and brave fight against multiple sclerosis.

The father-of-two passed away at Forth Valley Royal Hospital on November 20, aged 51.

Jamie grew up in Middlefield and his keen interest in politics saw him join the SNP as a teenager. Only two years later he was selected to represent the party as its candidate for the Victoria Ward of the then Falkirk District Council.

Several new members were recruited at this time and, perhaps significantly for Jamie this included his fiancée Cecil Jones, who is now the SNP group leader on Falkirk Council.

Tragically Jamie was diagnosed with MS at an early age ending his personal ambitions of elected office, but he continued to work tirelessly in local politics, most recently during the Referendum campaign.

Like his late father Crawford, he was active in the Boys’ Brigade and remained an officer until confined to a wheelchair.

Friend and political ally Councillor David Alexander said: “When he wasn’t taking the local BB company or promoting independence for Scotland, Jamie was supporting Falkirk FC in their quest for glory. A regular at Westfield and before that Brockville, he was a driving force behind the campaign to improve the facilities for disabled fans until his own health level fell to such an extent that he was unable to enjoy what he campaigned hard for.”

Jamie is survived by his mother Ena, wife Cecil, children Iain and Karen, and grandchildren Gregor and Emma.